County approves $50,000 in opioid settlement funds for transitional housing; Health and Human Services to administer

The Ashland County Board on June 23 approved resolution R06-2026-1538 to direct $50,000 from opioid settlement funds toward opioid treatment and transitional housing programs. Supervisors debated the size and purpose of the allocation, the expected number of people served and which department would administer the funds.

Clarence moved to approve the resolution and, during debate, supervisors noted the county had previously used $20,000 late in the prior budget year to cover a grant shortfall. Several supervisors described the settlement funding stream as ongoing from multiple settlements and observed a larger Purdue Pharma/Sackler family settlement remains tied up in court and could add substantial future funds.

Board members asked for clarity on program administration and caseload. Supervisor Terry, speaking on behalf of health services, said increased demand has grown the program’s use and estimated “probably a hundred people at least” are using transitional housing and associated room-and-board support. Terry said room-and-board payments can be about $100 per day for 30–45 days for some clients and transitional housing can last several months; Medicaid sometimes covers treatment but not room-and-board.

Supervisors moved and approved an amendment to the resolution to add the phrase that the funds “will be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.” The amendment carried by voice vote. After the amendment, the full resolution was approved by voice vote.

The board recorded that Health and Human Services will maintain records of program use; supervisors requested more precise counts and suggested the department provide further detail on how many people are being served and program duration at a future meeting.